Moissanite is a rare mineral composed of silicon carbide (SiC) and its various crystalline forms. It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona, initially mistaken for diamonds, but later identified as silicon carbide crystals
. Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, found only in meteorites and some upper mantle rocks. Due to its rarity, moissanite used in jewelry today is almost exclusively lab-grown, which makes it more affordable and environmentally friendly compared to mined diamonds
. Moissanite is known for its remarkable optical properties: it has a higher refractive index and more "fire" (colorful sparkle) than diamonds, making it visually brilliant. It rates about 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very durable and suitable for everyday wear, though slightly less hard than diamonds, which rate a 10
. In summary, moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone, originally discovered in meteorites, now mostly lab-created as a diamond alternative due to its brilliance, durability, and affordability
